8 Interesting Facts About North Carolina You May Not Already Know

If you’ve never thought about visiting the beautiful state of North Carolina, now may be the time to do so. This state has so much history and so many stunning landmarks you’ll want to visit. It’s perfect for road trips, camping, hiking adventures, and so much more.

Even if you travel to NC frequently, there are always surprises and new things to experience. There is a reason residents love living here and why tourists visit this state so often. Here are 8 fun facts about this state that will most likely surprise you:

It’s Home To The Oldest State University in the U.S.

The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill has made history for being the oldest State University in the United States. It was the only university to award degrees in the 18th century. For the first two weeks of classes in 1795, the student body consisted of only one person.

It’s the Home Furnishings Capital of the World

High Point is a city in North Carolina that is better known as the furnishing capital of the world because of the semi-annual furniture market that takes place here. This sale is so popular that it attracts 100,000 exhibitors and shoppers from all around the world. If you’re on the market for some furniture, check out the High Point Market!

Whitewater Falls is the Highest Waterfall in the Eastern US

If you’re a nature lover, you’ll love this interesting fact. The highest waterfall falling at an impressive 811 feet is none other than the Whitewater Falls. This is the tallest waterfall in the eastern U.S. and a sight worth seeing if you’re ever in North Carolina.

Charles Kuralt Was Born and Raised in Wilmington

You may remember Kuralt as a journalist for CBS. He is well known for his “On the Road” segments on the evening news with Walter Cronkite. He then became the first anchor of CBS News Sunday Morning. He held this position for 15 years! Little people know that Charles Kuralt is a native of North Carolina.

NC is the Largest Producer of Sweet Potatoes

North Carolina’s state vegetable became the sweet potato in 1995. Because this state is the largest producer of sweet potatoes in the entire nation, students from a Wilson County school petitioned the NC General Assembly to establish the sweet potato as the official state veggie. They approved the petition in 1995.

It’s the Hometown of Krispy Kreme

Lovers of Krispy Kreme may not know this, but this shop was founded in Winston-Salem, NC by French chef Vernon Rudolph. These doughnuts were sold in grocery stores and sure enough, individuals fell in love with the tasty treats. Krispy Kreme has been around since 1937, and you can expect them to stay around for years to come!

Babe Ruth’s First Home Run Was in Fayetteville

Legend Babe Ruth hit his first home run on March 7th, 1914 in Fayetteville as a professional baseball player. It was also in this city that he got his nickname “Babe”. This marked history not only for Babe Ruth but also for the state of North Carolina.

NC is Home to More Natural Disasters Than You Might Think

You may not be aware of this, but North Carolina is home to almost every type of natural disaster. This state can experience:

Hurricanes

Tornados

Floods

Sinkholes

Earthquakes

& Wildfires

Residents of this state need to have restoration in North Carolina specialists handy just in case any of these disasters do occur. After they ensure the family of themselves and safety, they need to take care of the aftermath which includes property damage.

Conclusion

These are only 8 interesting facts about North Carolina, however, we promise there is so much more to learn about this state. If you’re ever in the eastern side of the nation, we suggest paying a visit and indulging in NC’s culture and history as there is still so much more to experience.